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Ofsted vs. Teachers

Ofsted vs. teachers

30 April 2012

Ofsted has never been popular with teachers but in the current educational landscape they have an important role to play. Despite this, their reputation is continually challenged as Sir Michael Wilshaw appears in the press weekly with suggestions ranging from condemning poor teaching standards to increasing Ofsted’s role through “local bases”.

However, if Ofsted are hoping to increase their role in the current educational landscape undoubtedly they should look after the basics by getting the “inspection” aspect right.

A recent survey conducted by TES magazine produced hundreds of accounts of poor behaviour by visiting inspectors. From commenting that children are “too well-behaved” to observing that children fielding in a cricket match were “not moving around enough”, the stories are disheartening at best. This is just one more study that damages Ofsted’s reputation and will undoubtedly hit them hard. Before any further “groundbreaking” changes to the educational landscape are suggested it is clear that Ofsted need to start getting it right at the most basic level.

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